Roger

Monday  9:30 start
Top the sleds off… didn’t put any gas the extra cans as the ride to L Etape  isn’t that long and I can see we have a group that left earlier in front of us…
Wow.. this is awesome.. deep snow in trail to play in.
Shortly up the trail we catch up to the a couple of rider in front of us…  One of the two 900 widtracks  missed the corner and is off the trail and stuck.  We dig it out and then join them to continue on.   Up the trail aways we find a 1200 in deep that tried to turn around. He is with the two rides we just met.  We dig him out and keep going.. Now we are a group of 5.  As we make our way and are getting close to L Etape, we come across another two rides on 1200 shorties.  These two are with the three guys we met earlier.   One of the 1200’s is out of gas.. (This is one that was out front doing all the work with no one in front of him).  I pull out my syphon hose, grab my reserve can and pull two gallons from the 900.  
Shortly after that we make l etape  and it is about 2pm.
Full of gas and food.. we are on our way!  The group of 5 are behind us and we have a group of 3 riding Yamaha Venture in front of us…
It is still snowing and now the wind has come up.  We stay with this group until we Mt Apica and then part ways.  They stayed to warm up and had plans to stay on 23 and we were taking 368.
We leave Mt Apica..  The trail is flat and fast and firm…. At the intersection of 23 and 368 we find 368 covered no tracks and blown over.. no problem.. not deep we head on…
Stopped to take pictures of the path through the white birch trees. 
Picture!
We get to the intersection of 368 and 383.. still light out.. still snowing.. and wind has come up more…
We get down to the section by the aluminum Plant the drifts are big and soft… no problems and this is fun..
We get to the gas station…. Top them off.  The temperature has dropped a lot and now it is dark.
We go back out…   No far to go… look to get to 83 and into town..
And……. 
It gets ugly..  the wind is up… really up… blowing snow sideways and dark…  still not far to go so we take it slow..
I came to the corner of the field for the local trail to the mt valin hotel… in a white out!   I saw the trail but didn’t see the hotel sign.. I’m looking at that trail and thinking.. now is not the time to explore a local trail.. so we stay on 368 and follow the markers and tracks and get back into the woods.. not bad we can see…  on the other side of woods is another field.. I can see across it to bridge…
After that bridge… we come around a slight corner and now the wind is really bad and visibility.. almost nothing but we are going slow… drifted snow is getting deep.. but I have tracks to follow…  As I got closer to that Barn couldn’t see anything… kept going.. found the yellow sign on the side of the barn and drove around it… wow.. we can see again… cool…  still thinking not that far.
I crossed the road.. could see ok… went down the trail to the next junction with the local trail… looked at the red stakes… thinking we take it slow!
The next 3km… were nothing short of OMG.
I can’t see... Between my light.. and the headlight behind me… and the wind blowing snow sideways… the light was being reflecting back making it impossible to see.
At several points I’m looking down to my side looking for tracks on the sections of trail that didn’t have drifting snow and checking the ski tracks to make sure I’m still on course ( no BS on that statement)
We got to the section that is long and straight..   I had to stop.. get off the sled and walk a drift.. I couldn’t tell how high or long it was or what was on the other side.
Z16 comes up and says….I can see you right in front of me. Then you disappear and reappear and I’m thinking.. I have been looking at you head light this entire time… but honestly.. it is that bad!
I know this is bad… I have concerns about riding into a drainage ditch…or getting stuck deep in a drift…or ???  
I’m honestly thinking I need to make some really good decisions from this point to get us out of this. 
If I have walk every 50 feet at this point then ride it.. I will!
So that is what we started to do.. We started walking the drifts.. making sure they were solid and we had firm place to stop on the other side that we would still be on the trail…  Ohh and it is is blowing at least a steady 35 +..  no breaks with wind or blowing snow just a steady white out… very freaky
Shortly after we start this.. 4 sleds appear out of now where going in the opposite direction… OK these guys are nuts but this good for us. No we have tracks to follow.
Those tracks from the sleds didn’t last 2 minutes but that gave us enough to get time to get through and make it to the road.
Back into the woods and out of wind… safe…
From this point to 83.. not that bad… ok it was bad… but we made it to 83.. had tracks to work with and much much better visibility… if we can see…. We can go..
Went up the trail, turned off the power line.. though some deep drifts into the next field, cross the road,  then acros the railroad tracks turned right and …. Nothing to see but a 3 to 4 ft drifst… the ditch and the railroad tracks… and howling blowing snow… visibility.. 10 feet.. maybe…
So I walked it and Nope we are done.. it was all soft.  We turned around.. went back to road…  Road looks good…. The road it is!
We head down the road… OMG it had drifted huge into the road… we found a car stuck  in a drift..  we helped them dig out and pushed the car out and kept going.  Got to a gas station.. pulled the map out…   I’m at the gas station Petro-Canada at the corner of 170 and Chemin de L’Eglise..    I can ride down 170 or ???  we asked the gas station… he said go up Chemin de L’Eglise about 3.5 km and cut  across to the hotel Mt valin….  I didn’t want to go back into the field.. any field at this point…
So up the road we go on Chemin de L’Eglise  ( it had been closed because massive drifts in the road) 
We found the trail, went around the barn wow we can see.. maybe 150 ft but enough to go.. Made it to the hotel.. safe 7:30 pm 

Our go to place when we visit Val d’Or!

Stayed at chalets et spa a couple weeks ago,  beautiful place, the outdoor hot tub was nice.  We were there on a Sunday,  so we had the place to ourselves.  Play hard suggested it a few years ago, and he was spot on.  Supper is a fondue, and breakfast is a help yourself situation,  they cook the eggs, you grab the rest.    

Saturday nights dinner at LaCabanon.


 
 
 
 
 

That is an awesome trail now, very scenic.

Trails were great yesterday. All groomed as we left New Richmond.  Nice views over the bay in Point a la Croix.   Temps dropped and we had a few snow squalls in the afternoon.  Amqui last night.  Headed back to the Francis on the 587, never done it before.   They groomed the 595 yesterday so that’s back in the plan for Friday.  

La Cache looks great.  

After a memorable stay at Mount Vilain we needed to be within 200 miles of the truck in Shawinigan. Destination Roberval. Took the 373 in the upper corner above LSJ, never been on it. What an awesome trail, freshly  groomed, no traffic highly recommended! Lunch by giradville into Chateu Roberval with 198 miles.

Maybe head west first across the top of Mont Tremblant Park and then up to 100 Lacs for your first night(63, 322, 319, 53). Second day get up to 83 and start making your way East to Pourvoirie Windigo. 3rd and 4th day loop east to Saint Felicien for lunch and then start looping back south west similar to what you did last year via 355.

We have been out for three days now and yes this is Newfoundland. Our run into the Northern peninsular has given us spectacular scenery but been a bit light on the WiFi access LOL. 
This is was our first day back into digital access, which isn’t a totally bad thing!  We have had a sensational ride, three days of blue sky weather, and all the locals are saying they have not seen the sun in two months.  Wow we got lucky!
Our first day was from Deer Lake thru Sops arm into Harbor Deep.  You really should do a wiki search on Harbor deep to understand that this was the last community in NFLD to get resettled.  An interesting story.  Bob and Linda where excellent hosts, we guided ourselves In, but a guide would be recommended for this trip unless your are very comfortable with a gps.
Danny Corcoran lodge does have a guide service available for those interested.
A few pics of our first day are below!

This years adventure takes us again,  out of the QR territories.  We are currently waiting for the ferry to Port au basque Newfoundland.  Our scheduled 5 hour ferry ride last night was cancelled from North Sydney NS. But we are on for a 2 pm departure today.  Arriving in NL tonight around 7pm .. hopefully!  This will not be a high miler run but we are looking forward to lots of snow, great views and lots of good conversations.  There are 10 of us and we will be covering the north eastern tip of NL, from Deer Lake, and north.  Happy hour in the trailer last night waiting for the ferry was the high light last night after an 11 hour drive!  A blue sky day today is in order for the sail!
 
Happy trails
 
RR

We made it back to the truck today we rode from Matane to RDL,the trails where in pretty good shape ,lots of groomers k locking down snow drifts a couple days they should be in great shape.
This trip was a learning experience for us even though I  did not get to see the whole Gaspe next year I  will have a better Idea where to go.
We still managed to get 1400 miles on this trip , some great experience  also.
Back to Ohio in the morning
Ride safe 
Zrtkat & Crew
 

A couple wks ago you thought your biggest challenge was going to be the ferry......bet you didn't see this coming!!

@dooright It's my second season with the Titan (previous lid was a BRP Modular 2)...went through the first season foam issues and poor seal. I run two goggle sets one dark tinted and one clear for at night (having a back up is nice if needed). I don't run the electric googles so i don't have to worry about cables or fuses when your in the middle of nowhere.  I've ridden in -40C multiple days, freezing rain and warmer. On really cold days (< -18C I wear two balaclavas to ensure no skin is exposed learned that after some frost bite by only using a single balaclava. I find at higher speeds for hours on end the bill of the helmet does catch the wind and makes the neck muscles a little sore day after day but it's a super light helmet so it does offer some relief from the corner G speeds. If i'd switch it would likely be an oxygen next....I love the tech. But it works well once you set it up right. 

Over the top-you'd never see that in Ontario!

Thats funny stuff right there LMFAO your junk shrivles up like a stack of dimes at that temp

Buenos dias!

The new Gizmo is having BIG fun burying big brown's toy! (Not sure we should have let them out?)

We'd been watching (obsessing) over the weather and believed the heavy snow band was passing across the south, so we decided to come up to Kanawata from Shawini yesterday over the park thru Mattawin & Repo and the new MINT go-around that passes Chateau Vert. Definitely no need to take the sanded road and miss such a great ride. 
Three of us are leaving Kanawata this morning, 60mi to top gas at Wemo, 60 more to top @ 22, then 60 more to Odanak. That's our story. 
Beside! Mario here says: "Snowmobiles... are for snow!"

Funny how i noticed the same hand signal poster in the cabin with Jim Jamison's name plastered all over it and wondered who might this fellow traveler be.....funny enough here's what i found...
https://snoriderswest.com/article/general/travelling_up_north
Travelling up north
Jim Jamison and his wife, Melissa, are incredibly friendly people who love to go on epic snowmobiling trips
 
Every year, Jim and Melissa Jamison travel from their home in Pennsylvania to Canada to snowmobile for weeks on end.Photo courtesy of Jim and Melissa Jamison Jim and Melissa Jamison live in Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania, and they have been snowmobiling together for a very long time. In 1963, their favourite place to sled was the Poconos in northeastern Pennsylvania—a mountainous region that is popular for its recreational offerings.
The couple purchased a home there and continued to visit the area each winter for great sledding, but they soon moved on to the Adirondack Mountains in the northeastern part of New York. They bought a home there as well and enjoyed great snow conditions for more than 20 years. Adventurous spirits like to move on, however, and the Jamisons have moved on to Canada. Thirty-one years later, the Jamisons haven’t strayed. They come up to Canada each winter to snowmobile.
The couple usually stay in the eastern provinces of Canada, but they have been as far west as Manitoba and have ridden through Ontario numerous times. Eighteen years ago, Jim was asked to look after a few snowmobilers who wanted to ride to Canada, as he had more experience with the region. He agreed and everyone loved it. Soon after, Jim discovered that there was a market for American snowmobilers travelling up into Canada, and Jamison Canadian Snow Excursions was born. In the earlier years, Jim took groups of people on tours to Labrador—a trip that usually took three weeks if they didn’t get stuck in a blizzard. Typically, they put about 5,000 kilometres on each sled. These excursions catered to those who wanted to see the spectacular backcountry of Canada’s eastern provinces, including Quebec, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labra-dor—Jim’s personal all-time favourite place to sled.
“It is spectacular,” he said. “Of all the snowmobile tours and places that I’ve been, (Labrador) is absolutely (the most) astounding. It is nature’s beauty at its best and it has awesome country.”
The couple that sleds together
More recently, Jim has taken a step back from his tour groups and goes on only three work trips per year. A tour with his company includes everything from lodging and meals to maps and destinations—all you need is a sled. A typical trip would take sledders through Quebec and New Brunswick, and would last for one week.
One of Jim’s reasons for going on fewer work trips is that he wants to concentrate on travelling more with his wife.
“Every year we do trips together,” said Jim. “We take one week after Christmas and one week after Thanksgiving. Then, when I am done with my tours, my wife comes up for three weeks with me at the end of the season—next year is Quebec . . . and the Abitibi Canyon in Ontario.”

Great pics, Lebel to Chapais isn't the most exciting or picturesque run but it looks like you guys had great weather and freshly groomed trails. Tomorrow to Saint-Felicien is one of my favorites, enjoy!

Only a couple pics today.
The 2.6” 146 powder track...... as of this morning at Matagami.
Nice warm up hut between Matagami and Quevillon at the 55/80km sign.
 

Are you saddling up and ready to shoot down to Lebel Sur on that east side trail ? It’s one of my favorites for sure! If so please give an extra little pinch in some of the corners for me when you go through. TIA

Funny how i noticed the same hand signal poster in the cabin with Jim Jamison's name plastered all over it and wondered who might this fellow traveler be.....funny enough here's what i found...
https://snoriderswest.com/article/general/travelling_up_north
Travelling up north
Jim Jamison and his wife, Melissa, are incredibly friendly people who love to go on epic snowmobiling trips
 
Every year, Jim and Melissa Jamison travel from their home in Pennsylvania to Canada to snowmobile for weeks on end.Photo courtesy of Jim and Melissa Jamison Jim and Melissa Jamison live in Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania, and they have been snowmobiling together for a very long time. In 1963, their favourite place to sled was the Poconos in northeastern Pennsylvania—a mountainous region that is popular for its recreational offerings.
The couple purchased a home there and continued to visit the area each winter for great sledding, but they soon moved on to the Adirondack Mountains in the northeastern part of New York. They bought a home there as well and enjoyed great snow conditions for more than 20 years. Adventurous spirits like to move on, however, and the Jamisons have moved on to Canada. Thirty-one years later, the Jamisons haven’t strayed. They come up to Canada each winter to snowmobile.
The couple usually stay in the eastern provinces of Canada, but they have been as far west as Manitoba and have ridden through Ontario numerous times. Eighteen years ago, Jim was asked to look after a few snowmobilers who wanted to ride to Canada, as he had more experience with the region. He agreed and everyone loved it. Soon after, Jim discovered that there was a market for American snowmobilers travelling up into Canada, and Jamison Canadian Snow Excursions was born. In the earlier years, Jim took groups of people on tours to Labrador—a trip that usually took three weeks if they didn’t get stuck in a blizzard. Typically, they put about 5,000 kilometres on each sled. These excursions catered to those who wanted to see the spectacular backcountry of Canada’s eastern provinces, including Quebec, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labra-dor—Jim’s personal all-time favourite place to sled.
“It is spectacular,” he said. “Of all the snowmobile tours and places that I’ve been, (Labrador) is absolutely (the most) astounding. It is nature’s beauty at its best and it has awesome country.”
The couple that sleds together
More recently, Jim has taken a step back from his tour groups and goes on only three work trips per year. A tour with his company includes everything from lodging and meals to maps and destinations—all you need is a sled. A typical trip would take sledders through Quebec and New Brunswick, and would last for one week.
One of Jim’s reasons for going on fewer work trips is that he wants to concentrate on travelling more with his wife.
“Every year we do trips together,” said Jim. “We take one week after Christmas and one week after Thanksgiving. Then, when I am done with my tours, my wife comes up for three weeks with me at the end of the season—next year is Quebec . . . and the Abitibi Canyon in Ontario.”